Kwik Sew Fleece for Elliot

It's been great having this month of posts just for boys because it's forced me to dig out all of the projects for Elliot I had set aside so I could sew other things.  One of them was this fleece jacket, which really came in handy this past week as we visited my parents in the Pacific Northwest, where it was a balmy 40-60 degrees all week and trees were budding way ahead of schedule.  So this was the perfect weight for playing outside, visiting the zoo, and pruning the shrubs for Grandpa:

and riding the escalator with Grandma:

The pattern is Kwik Sew 2911, and I really like it.  Enough to make more.  It went together very quickly and had a clever pocket design that was so easy it had me feeling clever.  It took me a few thinks to figure out how to hide the zipper tails, but in the end it worked out fine.  A serger isn't necessary but I used it to finish the seams anyway.

Modifications: I chose to use regular fleece instead of swimwear fabric (as the pattern called for) for the edging.  I really have a tough time making swim fabric look good and didn't want to risk it.  The fleece worked great, although you do need to make sure to cut the pieces along the stretch of the fabric as indicated in the pattern.  I also threw in a little folded piece of fleece across the front there as a faux piping. 

I'd also like to say a few things about fleece:  I caved and purchased this novelty fleece from Joann, and, as a person who loves prints (maybe a little more than I should, as I often leave the house in 4 prints that clash) I couldn't resist this nautical pattern, but immediately after it was worn I started to notice that the quality is not-so-hot.  So I'd like to offer some advice here:  I know it's very, very tempting to buy fleece at your local craft superstore, but let's just say you get what you pay for.  'Nuf said.

UPDATE:  I just realized (after the first comment) that many of you would like to know where to get good fleece.  Field's in West Michigan is my closest source for good fleece, but I'm sure there's got to be others, including online.  Weigh in if you've had good experiences.

Today Dana's got a tutorial for an adorable little Hobo Sack (and pictures of an adorable little Hobo) over at MADE.  Check it out: